Having impressed for Munster against New Zealand in November 2008, Timmy Ryan penned a two-year deal with French club Toulon.

His first campaign with Philippe Saint-Andre's men was a successful one, almost ending in an Amlin Challenge Cup title win.

But with Newcastle Falcons captain Carl Hayman now on his way to Toulon, Ryan is set to move in the opposite direction as Newcastle's latest signing and first choice tighthead prop.

The 26-year-old secured a release from his Toulon contract and will link up at Newcastle with another former Munster player in recently departed centre/out-half Jeremy Manning.

Newcastle coach Alan Tait was poised to sign Ryan's Toulon team-mate Tonga Lea'aetoa, but it was the Corkman who caught his eye in their Amlin Challenge Cup semi-final win over Connacht.

Speaking to the Journal newspaper, Tait said: "Tim is our definite number one tighthead. We are delighted Tim has chosen to take up that challenge.

"Tom May, who played with him at Toulon, gave him a ringing endorsement. He could not speak highly enough of him as a man and a player.

"I know the fitness coach at Toulon as well, and he told me Tim is a really hard worker in the gym."

Meanwhile, former Leinster, Munster and Ireland 'A' full-back/out-half Eoghan Hickey has been released by Newcastle's Guinness Premiership rivals Wasps. He linked up with the Londoners last August after impressing during a trial.

The 28-year-old Dubliner has also lined out for London Irish and Worcester Warriors in recent seasons.